NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have worked together for many years in a unique partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard to keep the community aware of icebreaking activity in the waters of Georgian Bay near Midland. All ice surface users that may be on or near the area of Georgian Bay, known as Giants Tomb to the south end of Beausoleil Island, should heed the information from the following release provided by the Canadian Coast Guard dated March 10.
Furthermore, the Great Lakes Seaway shipping routes will be open on or about March 22, and there will be commercial shipping traffic into Midland Harbour anytime after March 18, creating unsafe ice conditions in the area. Please stay clear and remember, no ice is safe ice!
From: Canadian Coast Guard
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) advises residents that an icebreaker will be sailing between Giants Tomb and the Southern End of Beausoleil Island in Southern Georgian Bay. The CCGS Judy LaMarsh, CCG vessel, will carry out ice operations training in the area on or around March 13. The purpose of this operation is to further test the vessel's abilities on the ice. A helicopter flight prior to the ship's arrival to assess ice conditions and users of the ice will also be taking place.
It is recommended that all traffic on the ice, including pedestrians, fishers, snowmobilers, and all-terrain vehicle operators, leave the ice during icebreaking operations. The Canadian Coast Guard reminds the public that it can be very dangerous to venture onto the ice and suggest that they familiarize themselves with our ice safety tips. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone on it. Additionally, plan activities carefully and use extreme caution after operations are complete, as the ice will remain unstable even once the icebreaker has left the area.
Icebreaking on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered through close cooperation between the Canadian and United States Coast Guards. By working together, the two Coast Guards ensure that scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and in and out of community harbours. Vessels are assigned as needed to provide this service.
The date and assets are subject to change with no notice, depending on operational requirements and weather conditions.
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